BRICS 2026: Global South From Rule-Taker to Rule-Shaper

At BRICS, PM calls for Global South to move from “rule-taker to rule-shaper”

Asked by UPSCPrelims 2025, 2014Mains 2026 (GS2)3 PYQs

UPSC has already asked about this. Read the story with these questions in mind.

Prelims 2025Consider the following statements with regard to BRICS: 16th BRICS Summit was held under the Chairship of Russia in Kazan. …Solve with answer
Mains 2026 · GS2“BRICS acts as a powerful counterweight in global governance, actively amplifying the voice and influence of the Global South.” Explain the role of BRICS…See model answer

See all 3 PYQs

Prelims 2014With reference to a grouping of countries known as BRICS, consider the following statementsSolve with answer

Battle Brief

On 12 September 2026 the Prime Minister chaired the BRICS session on “Inclusive Global Governance and Strengthening Multilateralism” at the 18th BRICS Summit in New Delhi. He said the Global South must move from being a rule-taker to a rule-shaper, called for greater representation in bodies like the UN Security Council, and proposed a Seafarers Emergency Support Network.

Fact File

Date: 12 Sep 2026 (PIB, 13 Sep)
Event: 18th BRICS Summit, New Delhi
Session: Inclusive Global Governance and Strengthening Multilateralism
Key phrase: from rule-taker to rule-shaper
Proposal: Seafarers Emergency Support Network
Outcome: New Delhi BRICS Leaders’ Declaration adopted

In the news

The PM’s BRICS remarks on global governance: what happened?

India chaired BRICS in 2026 and hosted the summit. Global governance reform, a long-standing Indian demand, was the theme of one of the sessions the PM chaired.

PM chaired the BRICS session on inclusive global governance at the 18th BRICS Summit, New Delhi, on 12 Sep 2026 [PIB].
He called for UNSC reform and proposed a Seafarers Emergency Support Network [PIB].

Back Story

What were the main points?

The Global South is “at the front row of global crises, but the back row of decision-making”.
Turn the “pyramid of privilege” into a “platform of partnership”.
Global governance must reflect today’s realities, with more representation in bodies such as the UN Security Council.
BRICS can train young diplomats and policymakers of the Global South in negotiation and legal skills.
A Seafarers Emergency Support Network, as seafarers often lack support in crises.

Exam Radar

What can Prelims ask on the PM’s BRICS remarks on global governance?

18th BRICS Summit: New Delhi, September 2026, under India’s chairship.
Outcome document: New Delhi BRICS Leaders’ Declaration.
India proposed a Seafarers Emergency Support Network.

How to use this in Mains

GS-II Important international institutions, agencies and fora

As per PIB (2026-09-13): PM chaired the BRICS session on inclusive global governance at the 18th BRICS Summit, New Delhi, on 12 Sep 2026.
Reform of global institutions is a constant theme of India's multilateral diplomacy.

Quotable data point
PM chaired the BRICS session on inclusive global governance at the 18th BRICS Summit, New Delhi, on 12 Sep 2026.
PIB: PMO: PM chairs BRICS session on global governance, 13 Sep 2026

Practice MCQs

Original practice questions (not PYQs).

Practice · UPSC

At the 18th BRICS Summit (2026), India proposed a support network for

Answer (b) & explanation

PIB, 13 Sep 2026.

Quick questions

Questions students ask about this

What did the PM mean by "rule-taker to rule-shaper"?

That countries of the Global South should help write global rules, not just follow rules made by others.

What new network did India propose at BRICS?

A Seafarers Emergency Support Network to help seafarers during crises.

Which document was adopted at the end of the session?

The New Delhi BRICS Leaders' Declaration.